Mastering Various Kitesurfing Techniques

Sky's the limit when it comes to kitesurfing. With knowledge on the fundamental steps and techniques, it would be easy for the kitesurfer to modify the basics and suit them to his style. Here are the essential things that one should learn, from here on try to make your own styles.



If you are novice in kitesurfing, it is advisable that you get a trainer's kite first before moving into different types of kites. This would give you the feel of the kite and since it is equipped with basic controls, you could readily practice with the basic directions, the functions of the control bars and the control of the wind and the flight of the kite.



Mastering the use of the dead-man release system- If you are just starting with kitesurfing you should first master the techniques on using the dead-man release system. This technique along with other procedures that are directly associated with it should help maintain your safety. To learn more of this release system, you should try to study the manufacturer's manual.



Kite Control Devices - The control system should be carefully studied first without deploying the kite. You should be able to control the device using your left or right hand alone.



Launching - All types of kites have various capacities for launching and relaunching. Launching basically begins with putting the kite on the direction of the wind and the board on the sand. The same is true with land or snow kitesurfing. The board should be on the ground while the vertical kite with its leading side should face the wind. The push of the wind shall give the kite its speed.



Piloting - Piloting requires the mastery of the kite system, the power and the limitations of the kite and everything that is related to the use of the kite since it will help you to maneuver easily once it is launched.



Piloting involves the mastery of movements such as turning to the right or the left, practicing with number 8 figures for several times to the left and the right, and hovering and lying on both sides. Do these techniques until you are comfortable performing them without looking at your kite or the kite's manual. Once you are over this, you should be able to practice tricks only by feeling the kite.



For starters, it is advisable to practice with the trainer's kite on piloting during light wind as this speed would give you better control and lesser chances of piloting errors.



Maintaining the Surf - Once you launched the kite, you should be able to maintain its stability. To do these you need knowledge on the power of the wind, steering the kite board and maintaining your balance on the board.



Kite Power Controlling – This entails the command on the power used by the kite to maintain, increase or lessen its speed. There are two types of power controlling: the projected surface controlling which is normally used among traditional kites and the speed controlling. The former use techniques like tilting, sheeting and reefing. The latter is parallel to controlling the kite itself. It involves the principle of increasing or decreasing the speed of the kite.



Apart from these basic skills, there are more advanced techniques that should follow after mastering them. The advanced skills include jibing, jumping, looping, wave riding, different kinds of rides and performing tricks.